TC Debbie recovery grants for primary producers exceed $15 million

Published Friday, 05 January, 2018 at 01:22 PM

Acting Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries
The Honourable Dr Anthony Lynham

Queensland primary producers impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie last March have received more than $15 million in Natural Disaster Recovery Grants to assist with clean-up and recovery efforts.

Acting Agriculture Minister, Dr Anthony Lynham said more than 1,815 applications from primary producers from Bowen to Boonah had been approved for $15.5 million.

“A breakdown of approved grant applications to date shows sugar, beef and horticulture were the main rural industries to have suffered damage and disruption during the cyclone and subsequent flooding,” Dr Lynham said.

“The grants provide up to $25,000 for the clean-up and restoration of primary production enterprises affected by the cyclone. In order to receive a grant, affected producers need to have completed and paid for all necessary repairs and recovery work.”

With grant applications for TC Debbie set to close on Friday 12 January 2018, Dr Lynham urged any producers to finalise any initial or subsequent claim as soon as possible.

Producers can apply online or download an application form via the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) website at www.qrida.qld.gov.au.

To help eligible producers finalise their applications before the deadline, QRIDA staff will also be holding temporary offices in activated disaster regions next week including:

  • Boonah - 9 & 10 January
  • Bowen - 8 to 12 January
  • Proserpine - 8 to 12 January

Applicants can Freecall 1800 623 946 to make a booking for these offices, speak to a QRIDA representative or to make an appointment with the local Regional Area Manager in Mackay.

For more information and resources including the grant guidelines, forms and online application portal, visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au.

Natural Disaster Recovery Grants (Category C) are administered by QRIDA under the joint Commonwealth / Queensland Government funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

QRIDA also administers the Natural Disaster Assistance Loans (Category B) of up to $250,000 for eligible primary producers which are available at an interest rate of 1.16%. Loan applications close 30 June 2019.

ENDS

Media: Adrian Taylor 0448 994 172 

Editor’s note:

Breakdown of approved applications for Natural Disaster Recovery Grants by rural industry as at Friday 29 December (next update Friday 5 January):

Industry

Number of applications approved

Value of applications approved

Beef

496

$4,460,624

Sugar

889

$7,194,472

Horticulture

289

$2,593,242

Dairy

54

$521,361

Grain & livestock

18

$233,528

Other industry

69

$540,433

Total

1,773

$15,543,660